Methods and devices for transcatheter cerclage annuloplasty

ABSTRACT

Devices, apparatus, and methods for catheter-based repair of cardiac valves, including transcatheter-mitral-valve-cerclage annuloplasty and transcatheter-mitral-valve reapposition. In particular, a target and capture device is provided for guiding a cerclage traversal catheter system through a cerclage trajectory, particularly through a reentry site of the cerclage trajectory. The target and capture device provides the user with a target through which the cerclage traversal catheter system must be guided, particularly under imaging guidance, so as to properly traverse the cerclage trajectory at any desired location, particularly at a reentry site. The target and capture device can, further, ensnare and externalize the cerclage traversal catheter system.

The present application is a national phase application pursuant to 35U.S.C. §§371 of International Application No. PCT/US2011/051748, filedSep. 15, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional applicationNo. 61/383,061 filed Sep. 15, 2010, both of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was funded by the National Institute of Health. TheUnited States Government has certain rights in this invention.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to techniques and devices forcardiovascular valve repair, particularly annuloplasty techniques anddevices in which tensioning elements are positioned to treatregurgitation of the mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

BACKGROUND

In the mammalian heart, the tricuspid valve separates the right atriumand right ventricle and prevents backflow of blood from the rightventricle into the right atrium during contraction. The left atrium andleft ventricle are separated by the mitral valve, which, similar to thetricuspid valve, prevents backflow of blood into the left atrium whenthe left ventricle contracts.

Regurgitation (leakage) of the mitral valve or tricuspid valve canresult from many different causes, and can cause heart irregularities,such as an irregular heart rhythm, and itself can cause inexorabledeterioration in heart-muscle function. Such deterioration can beassociated with functional impairment, congestive heart failure andsignificant pain, suffering, lessening of the quality of life, or evendeath. Mitral valve regurgitation (“MR”) is broadly categorized aseither organic or secondary (i.e. functional). With organic MR, there isa primary structural abnormality of the mitral valve resulting inimproper coaptation of the valve. The most common causes of organic MRinclude degenerative disease, rheumatic valve disease, endocarditis withleaflet destruction, and congenital mitral valve disease. With secondaryMR, the leaflet structure is largely preserved and regurgitation iscaused by a dilated annulus and/or subvalvular traction impairingleaflet apposition.

Pharmacologic treatments for valvular regurgitation generally includediuretics and vasodilators. These medicines, however, have not beenshown to alter the natural progression of cardiac dysfunction associatedwith regurgitant valves.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (biventricular pacing) has value as anon-surgical option in “functional” or secondary mitral valveregurgitation.

Surgical options for correcting defects in the heart valves includerepair or replacement of a valve, but these surgical options requireopen-heart surgery, which generally requires stopping the heart andcardiopulmonary bypass. Recovery from open-heart surgery can be verylengthy and painful, or even debilitating, since open-heart surgeryrequires pulling apart the ribs to expose the heart in the chest cavity.Cardiopulmonary bypass itself is associated with comorbidity, includingcognitive decline. Additionally, open-heart surgery carries the risk ofdeath, stroke, infection, phrenic-nerve injury, chronic-pain syndrome,venous thromboembolism, and other complications. In fact, a number ofpatients suffering heart-valve defects cannot undergo surgical-valvetreatment because they are too weak or physiologically vulnerable torisk the operation. A still larger proportion of patients havemitral-valve regurgitation that is significant, but not sufficiently soto warrant the morbidity and mortality risk of cardiac surgery.

Percutaneous approaches to valve repair have been developed to reducethe clinical disadvantages of the open-heart procedures. In somepercutaneous techniques, a prosthesis is advanced in a catheter throughthe subject's vasculature to the vicinity of the mitral valve. Thesepercutaneous techniques are attractive alternatives to conventionalsurgical treatment because they do not require open heart surgery orextracorporeal circulation, and can be used in a closed chest andbeating heart. The treatment is potentially less morbid and can beapplied to a wider range of patients including those with less severevalvular dysfunction.

Examples of percutaneous valve repair procedures include coronary-sinusshortening devices, transcameral fixtures, endoventricular annularplication, and direct leaflet stapling. Coronary sinus annuloplastytechniques have been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,402,781and 7,090,695. However, these techniques have shown only limited successin establishing circumferential tension that characterizes effectivesurgical ring annuloplasty. For example, in mitral valve repair, thesinus-shortening devices have induced only local shortening across themitral commissures but do not adequately reduce the septal-lateralseparation that characterizes functional mitral valve regurgitation. Theleaflet procedures have not been able to reduce annular dilation andthey can also impair the normal dynamic line of mitral valve coaptionthat accommodates a range of volumes and inotropic states.

A more recent improvement of percutaneous annuloplasty is percutaneouscerclage annuloplasty or coronary sinus transcatheter-mitral-valvecerclage annuloplasty, which is disclosed, for example, in U.S.Published Patent Application Nos. 2005/0216039 and 2010/0049314. Thistechnique involves the introduction of tensioning material around themitral-valve annulus using a secondary catheter, such as a steerableguide wire or canalization catheter. Access to the area around themitral-valve annulus can be accomplished using a number of differentpercutaneous approaches, including access from and through the coronarysinus. For example, a continuous strand of tensioning material such as aligature is applied around the mitral-valve annulus along a pathway thatincludes an extraanotomic portion. For example, the tensioning materialcan traverse a region between the anterobasal-most portion of thecoronary sinus and the coronary-sinus ostium. In another approach, atensioning material is applied across the atrial aspect of the mitralvalve from the posterolateral aspect to the anterior aspect of thecoronary sinus, or from the septal aspect to the lateral aspect of themitral-valve annulus. By such cerclage techniques, the mitral annularcross-sectional area is reduced, including a reduction in septal-lateralwall separation, thereby intrinsically reapposing the line of coaptationof the mitral valve. During such techniques, the tensioning material canbe placed with the assistance of imaging technologies that may includeX-ray fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, intracavitary or externalultrasound, electroanatomic mapping, X-ray computed tomography or acombination (fusion) of any of these imaging technologies.

While percutaneous cerclage annuloplasty is a promising technique forvalve repair, enhancing valve leaflet coaptation, and treating valveregurgitation, the procedure is technically demanding and requires greatskill and precision in positioning the tensioning system to provide theproper plane of cerclage. Further, entrapment of tricuspid valvesubvalvular structures, such as trabeculae or chorda tendinea or ofventricular structures such as the moderator band and non-valvartrabeculae, is an important limiting adverse consequence of the cerclageprocedure that requires great skill, effort and prolonged procedures toavert. Entrapment occurs when a cerclage traversal catheter systemundermines a trabecular or other subvalvar element while it passes froman intramyocardial trajectory into the right ventricular cavity. In theevent that such entrapment is not averted, the subvalvar or trabecularstructures may become entrapped or transsected, and the tricuspid valveor right ventricle may be irreversibly damaged causing proceduralfailure and serious adverse consequences. Therefore, a need exists forimproved techniques and devices that facilitate proper positioning ofthe tensioning system during such demanding and complex cerclageprocedures and, further, which can prevent trabecular entrapment

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention features methods, apparatus and devices forrepairing cardiac valves in a patient and, particularly to such methods,apparatus and devices for minimally invasive and percutaneous proceduresfor repairing damaged or malfunctioning cardiac valves in a patient. Inparticular, methods, apparatus and devices of the present inventionfacilitate mitral-valve cerclage annuloplasty. Specifically, atensioning material is provided in a target cerclage trajectory using acerclage traversal catheter system. In accordance with the presentinvention, a target and capture device is provided for properly guidingand capturing the cerclage traversal catheter system as it follows thetrajectory and reenters the right heart chamber as it passes through andemerges from the septal myocardial tissue.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is featured a method for performing amitral-valve cerclage annuloplasty by introducing a target and capturedevice into the vasculature of a patient, positioning the target andcapture device at a desired location of a cerclage trajectory, andintroducing a tensioning system via a cerclage traversal catheter systemthrough the cerclage trajectory, wherein the target and capture deviceprovides a target for guiding the cerclage traversal catheter systemthrough the desired trajectory location, and wherein the target andcapture device captures and/or ensnares the cerclage traversal cathetersystem as or after the cerclage traversal catheter system passes throughthe desired trajectory location.

Aspects in accordance with this embodiment can include the followingfeatures. The cerclage trajectory can include the coronary sinus, greatcardiac vein, and basal septal perforator vein, followed by traversing asegment of the interventricular myocardial septum to reenter the rightventricle or right atrium (“reentry site”), and the target and capturedevice can be positioned at the desired reentry site so as to guide thecerclage traversal catheter system properly through the reentry site.The target and capture device can, further, capture or ensnare thecerclage traversal catheter system as or after the cerclage traversalcatheter system passes through the reentry site. The target and capturedevice can be provided with at least one opening, wherein the opening isa target through which the cerclage traversal catheter system is guidedinto the reentry site and, further, the cerclage traversal cathetersystem is captured or ensnared in the opening. The target and capturedevice can comprise a shaft or elongate member with a distal openingand/or loop. The target and capture device can comprise a mesh. At leasta portion of the target and capture device can be imageable under thespecified imaging guidance modality, including X-ray fluoroscopy,echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and electroanatomicpositioning. For example, at least the portion of the device surroundingthe opening, or at least a portion of the loop, etc. can be imageable.As such, the opening or loop can be properly positioned at the desiredreentry site with the assistance of imaging techniques, and the cerclagetraversal catheter system can further be directed into and/or throughthe opening or loop which thereby serves as a target. In yet furtherembodiments, the target and capture device is configured to conform tothe curvature of the right ventricle. For example, the target andcapture device can comprise a loop or mesh configured to conform to thecurvature of the right ventricle and, further, so as to be torqued toabut the tissue of the right ventricle so as to further ensure that thecerclage traversal catheter system passes through the desired reentrysite and so as to reduce the likelihood of trabecular entrapment. Thetarget and capture device can be configured, arranged and/or positionedso as to displace desired structures so as to prevent entrapment and/orinjury to such structures as the cerclage traversal catheter systemtraverses the cerclage trajectory. The target and capture device can beconfigured, arranged and/or positioned so as to retrieve the cerclagetraversal catheter system at the desired reentry site, particularlyafter the cerclage traversal catheter system has been captured orensnared by the target and capture device.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is featured a method for performingtranscatheter cerclage annuloplasty to repair a valve in a patient byinserting a cerclage traversal catheter system into the vasculature of apatient and positioning a target and capture device at a desired reentrysite in the right ventricle. The target and capture device can comprisesa loop having an opening or a mesh having a plurality of openings, andthe loop or mesh can be at least partially imageable so as to provide animageable target at the desired reentry site. The cerclage trajectory istraversed using the cerclage traversal catheter system, the imageabletarget is imaged, and the cerclage traversal catheter system is guidedthrough the imageable target positioned at the desired reentry site. Thecerclage traversal catheter system is exchanged with a tensioningelement and tension is applied on the tensioning element. The step ofpositioning a target and capture device at the desired reentry site inthe right ventricle can comprise positioning the target or capturedevice while imaging the loop or mesh. The step of positioning a targetand capture device can comprise positioning the loop or mesh so as toconform to the curvature of the right ventricle. Positioning the targetand capture device can further comprise displacing vascular structureswith the target and capture device from the luminal aspect of thechamber to the endocardial aspect of the chamber to prevent entrapmentor injury to the vascular structures. The target and capture device anbe positioned to displace right ventricular trabecular and tricuspidsubvalvular structures away from the central right heart cavity againstthe right ventricular endocardial surface. A single opening of the meshcan be fabricated of imaging material, and the single opening can bepositioned at the desired reentry site. The cerclage traversal cathetersystem can further be ensnared the by the target and capture deviceafter the cerclage traversal catheter system is guided through theimageable target. The cerclage traversal catheter system can further beretrieved using the target and capture device after the cerclagetraversal catheter system is guided through the imageable target. Thetarget and capture device can comprise a loop that can be manipulated insize, and the method can further comprise manipulating the size of theloop so as to ensnare the cerclage traversal catheter system. The meshcan be expandable and collapsible, wherein the mesh can expand so as toconform to the curvature of the right ventricle when it is positioned,and the method can further comprises collapsing the mesh so as toensnare the cerclage traversal catheter system.

In another exemplary embodiment, there is featured a method forperforming transcatheter cerclage annuloplasty to repair a valve in apatient by inserting a cerclage traversal catheter system into thevasculature of a patient, positioning a first target and capture devicecomprising a mesh having a plurality of openings within the rightventricle, displacing trabecular structures with the first target andcapture device, and positioning a second target and capture devicecomprising a loop at a desired reentry site in the right ventricle. Thecerclage trajectory is traversed using the cerclage traversal cathetersystem, the cerclage traversal catheter system is guided the through theloop positioned at the desired reentry site, the cerclage traversalcatheter system is exchanged with a tensioning element, and tension isapplied on the tensioning element. Aspects in accordance with thisembodiment can include the following features. The cerclage traversalcatheter system can be further ensnared the within the loop after thecerclage traversal catheter system is guided through the loop. Thecerclage traversal catheter system can be retrieved using the loop afterthe cerclage traversal catheter system is guided through the loop.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isfeatured a target and capture device for use in performing percutaneouscerclage annuloplasty. In accordance with this aspect, the target andcapture device can comprise an elongate member, such as a shaft, havingan opening and/or a loop or the like positioned at or near the distalend of the elongate member. The opening and/or loop has or assumes theshape of the right ventricular outflow tract.

Aspects in accordance with this embodiment can include the followingfeatures. The opening can be configured so as to be capable of capturingand/or ensnaring a cerclage traversal catheter system during a cerclageprocedure. The opening can be configured so as to be adjustable in sizesuch that after the cerclage traversal catheter system has passedtherethrough, the opening or loop is adjusted (e.g. made smaller) tocapture or ensnare the cerclage traversal catheter system therein. Atleast a portion of the target and capture device can be imageable, suchas at least a portion surrounding the opening. The target and capturedevice can comprise a loop or opening configured to conform to thecurvature of the right ventricle and, further, so as to be torqued toabut the tissue of the right ventricle. The target and capture devicecan be formed of a shape memory material wherein the loop or portionsurrounding the opening has a remembered shape is a shape that conformto the curvature of the right ventricle. The loop can be preformed orformed with a remembered shape that conforms to the inner curvature ofthe right ventricle to right ventricular outflow tract, therebyconforming to and abutting the interventricular septum reentry site. Theloop can be configured, arranged and/or positioned so as to displacedesired structures so as to prevent entrapment and/or injury to suchstructures during a cerclage procedure. The loop can be configured,arranged and/or positioned so as to retrieve the cerclage traversalcatheter system during a cerclage procedure, particularly at the desiredreentry site after the cerclage traversal catheter system has beencaptured or ensnared by the target and capture device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isfeatured a target and capture device for use in performing percutaneouscerclage annuloplasty. In accordance with this aspect, the devicecomprises an expandable and collapsible mesh configured so as to conformto the curvature of the right ventricle when in its expanded state andconfigured so as to be insertable through a catheter in a patient'svasculature when collapsed, wherein the expandable and collapsible meshhas an imageable target therein.

Aspects in accordance with this embodiment can include the followingfeatures. The imageable target can be an opening or cell in the mesh.The mesh can comprise two or more wire elements that separate whendeployed and adjoin when retracted. The mesh can comprise a plurality ofcriss-crossing wire-like members. The mesh can comprise single ormultiple slots cut or molded into a tube, such as an expanding slottedtube having a plurality of slots wherein expansion of the tube provideslarger size slots and compression of the tube provides smaller sizedslots. The mesh can comprise a plurality of sinusoidal or ring-likeelements interconnected with wires that extending along the length ofthe mesh. The sinusoidal or ring-like elements can be moveable along thewires so as to vary the size of openings in the mesh. The mesh cancomprise a plurality of hollow center disc shaped elementsinterconnected through a plurality of tensioning elements, whereintension may be independently applied to individual tensioning elementsto vary the distance between disk shaped elements and/or the anglebetween disk-shaped elements. The device can include an expandingelement positioned to expand and collapse the mesh. The mesh can bepermanently or removably attached, such as at its base or apex, to anexpansion mechanism (e.g. a shaft or similar mechanism) for deploymentand retrieval, wherein the mechanism is configured to expand the mesh(such as during deployment and positioning at the target), and retractor collapse the mesh (such as during withdrawal of the mesh and/orduring capture or ensnaring). The mesh can retract or collapse so as toensnare or entrap the cerclage traversal catheter system. The mesh candeploy or expand to a shape that conforms to the curvature of the rightventricle. The mesh can be shaped, configured, arranged and/orpositioned or expanded to a shape that displaces desired structures soas to prevent entrapment and/or injury to such structures during acerclage procedure. For example, the mesh can be shaped and/or candeploy or expand to a shape so as to appose the mural tricuspidsubvalvular apparatus to the septal myocardial wall. In someembodiments, the mesh can be expanded so as to exert pressure against ordisplace the trabecular-papillary elements of the tricuspid valveagainst the right ventricular septal wall. The mesh can be configured soas to displace the valvar chordae and the true and false trabecularmuscles against the endocardial border of the right ventricular septum.The mesh can be configured to apply pressure on expansion, therebydisplacing the valvar chordae and the true and false trabecular musclestoward the endocardial surface. The mesh can be shaped and/or can deployor expand to a basket-like U-shape. The mesh can be shaped and/or candeploy or expand to a flat or substantially flat shape. The mesh can beformed of a shape memory material wherein a remembered shape is a shapethat conforms to the curvature of the right ventricle. The mesh can befurther configured, arranged and/or positioned so as to retrieve thecerclage traversal catheter system during a cerclage procedure,particularly at the desired reentry site after the cerclage traversalcatheter system has been captured or ensnared by the target and capturedevice. The device can further comprise a unipolar or bipolar electrodeset for determining the position of the target and capture device inrelation to functional electrophysiological fiducial markers.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is featured anapparatus for performing percutaneous cerclage annuloplasty comprising atarget and capture device for use in combination with a cerclagetraversal catheter system.

Aspects in accordance with this embodiment can include the followingfeatures. The cerclage traversal catheter system can be configured fortraversing a desired cerclage trajectory and reentering the rightventricle or right atrium, and the target and capture device can beconfigured for positioning at the desired reentry site. The target andcapture device can be configured and shaped to provide a target for thecerclage traversal catheter system as the cerclage traversal cathetersystem reenters the right ventricle or right atrium. The target andcapture device can be configured and shaped to capture and/or ensnarethe cerclage traversal catheter system. The target and capture devicecan comprise an elongate member having a distal opening or loop. Thetarget and capture device can comprise a mesh. At least a portion of thetarget and capture device and/or cerclage traversal catheter system canbe imageable.

In another exemplary embodiment, there is featured a kit for repairing avalve in a patient using transcatheter cerclage annuloplasty comprisinga cerclage traversal catheter system for introducing a tensioning systemthrough a cerclage trajectory, and target and capture device comprisingan expandable and collapsible mesh or a shaft having a proximal end anda distal end with loop at the distal end of the shaft. The mesh can beconfigured so as to conform to the curvature of the right ventricle whenin its expanded state, can have a plurality of openings therein, and canhaving an imageable target therein. The loop at the distal end of theshaft can be imageable and can be fabricated of a material andconfigured so as to conform to the curvature of the right ventricle.

Aspects in accordance with this embodiment can include the followingfeatures. The target and capture device can be configured so as toprovide an imageable target for the cerclage traversal catheter and soas to capture the cerclage traversal catheter therein. The target andcapture device can be provided with a magnet to assist in guiding andcapturing the cerclage traversal catheter.

DEFINITIONS

The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to thefollowing definitions:

“Annuloplasty element” refers to a device that induces reshaping of anannulus of the heart to repair valvular insufficiency. Such devicesinclude those that are placed in the coronary sinus and exert theiraction by compressive forces on the annulus, for example by expansion ofa resilient annuloplasty element, or placement of the annuloplastyelement under tension, as in cerclage annuloplasty.

The term “comprises” means “includes without limitation.” Thus,“comprising a guiding catheter and a guide wire” means “including aguiding catheter and a guide wire,” without excluding additionalelements.

The term “subject” or “patient” refers to both human and other animalsubjects. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human or othermammal, such as a primate, cat, dog, cow, horse, rodent, sheep, goat, orpig.

As used herein, the terms “suture”, “ligature”, “tensioning material”and “tensioning element” are often related or interchangeable. Forexample, as used herein, “suture” is meant to encompass any suitabletensioning element or tensioning device and is not limited to onlyligature-based sutures. For example, such tensioning elements caninclude any suture ligature or device capable of introducingcircumferential tension around the mitral annulus to enhance leafletapposition. It also includes tension-redistribution devices, such aspledgets, and intrinsic variations, such as altered diameter orstiffness. It also includes any form of coronary artery protectiondevices, particularly in as much as such protection devices areintegrated into the tensioning elements/devices. Further, As usedherein, the term “ligature” is meant to encompass any suitabletensioning element or tensioning device and is not limited to onlysuture material. The term “tensioning material” or “ligature” includessutures and annuloplasty wires. With respect to “tensioning material” or“tensioning element”, such terms are defined as any material suitable toperform a coronary sinus mitral valve cerclage annuloplasty, in whichcircumferential tension is introduced around the mitral valve annulus,such as by placing an encircling material under tension to remodel themitral valve annulus and enhance leaflet apposition. Examples ofsuitable tensioning materials are the ligature materials alreadydescribed.

The term “guide wire” refers to a simple guide wire, a stiffened guidewire, or a steerable guide-wire catheter that is capable of puncturing,traversing, and/or penetrating tissue. The guide-wire also can deliverenergy to augment its ability to penetrate tissue, for example bypuncturing it, delivering radiofrequency or ultrasound ablative energyor by delivering laser ablative energy. These are examples of a“penetrating device,” or “traversal system” (e.g. cerclage transversalcatheter system) which is a device capable of penetrating heart tissue,such as the myocardium.

The term “loop” refers to a element that provides an opening capable ofcapturing and/or ensnaring the cerclage traversal catheter system. Suchloops and openings can come in a variety of known geometric shapes whichinclude, but are not limited to, generally circular or ellipticalshapes, including cylindrically-shaped ellipsoids and flat ellipsoids,various polygonal shapes, and the like. The loop and/or openings canalso be provided in a variety of irregular shapes.

“Mesh” refers to a fenestrated structure formed by two or more strandsof wire or other material, or formed by a slotted tube, or formed byinterconnected vertebral or disc-like elements interconnected by strandsof wire or other material, such that expansion of the mesh expands thefenestrations.

A “mitral valve cerclage annuloplasty” refers to an annuloplastyprocedure in which a tensioning element is placed through at least aportion (and preferably all) of the coronary sinus so that thecircumferential tension is delivered around the mitral valve annulus andso that a tensioning element can be placed under selective degrees oftension to perform the annuloplasty. An example of cerclage annuloplastyis disclosed in co-pending prior application Ser. No. 11/127,112 (U.S.Patent Publication No. 2005/0216039), and the disclosure of thedescription of that technique is incorporated herein by reference.However, the mitral valve cerclage annuloplasty technique also includesother cerclage trajectories, such as those disclosed herein, including atrajectory through a proximal coronary septal perforator vein andmyocardium or annulus fibrosis interposing between that vein and theright ventricle or right atrium to create circumferential cerclageannuloplasty tension.

All or portions of the devices disclosed herein can be made of an“MRI-compatible” material. Such materials are safe to use in the bodyduring magnetic resonance imaging of the body, and do not substantiallyaffect imaging quality of the MRI. An “MRI-safe” material is one thatdoes not add substantial risk to a human or equipment by placing it inthe magnetic field of an MR environment. Examples of MRI-compatiblematerials are non-ferrous materials, such as ceramics, plastics andnon-magnetic composite materials. Austenitic stainless steels (of the300 series) are neither ferromagnetic nor paramagnetic and therefore areMRI-compatible. Titanium and aluminum are MRI-compatible, even thoughthey are not ideally paramagnetic. Particularly disclosed MRI-compatiblematerials of which the protective device may be made include nitinol,MP35N and nickel-cobalt-chromium alloys and Elgiloy, titanium, tungsten,silver, gold, and platinum.

“Shape-memory materials” as used herein, may refer to any known shapememory materials, may include but are not limited to nitinol andelgiloy. They may also include metals that deform to a specified lengthor shape when exposed to electric current.

Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms“a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless context clearlyindicates otherwise. The term “or” refers to a single element of statedalternative elements or a combination of two or more elements, unlesscontext clearly indicates otherwise. For example, the phrase “rtMRI orechocardiography” refers to real-time MRI (rtMRI), echoradiography, orboth rtMRI and echocardiography. Although methods and materials similaror equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice ortesting of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials aredescribed below. In case of conflict, the present specification,including terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, andexamples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of thepresent invention, reference is made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figureswherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughoutthe several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates the target and capture device in the form of anelongate shaft having a distally located opening accordance with onegeneral embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows the target and capture device in of FIG. 1 as positioned ata cerclage reentry site via a guiding catheter.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrates a target and capture device in the form of amesh in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention aspositioned during a percutaneous cerclage annuloplasty procedure.Particularly, FIG. 3A shows an anterior projection view, and FIG. 3Bshows a right projection view of the right ventricle and right atriumwith the target and capture device in the deployed position.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate various possible a target sites in a andcapture device in the form of a mesh.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a target and capture device in the form of anexpandable (FIG. 5B) and collapsible (FIG. 5A) mesh.

FIG. 6 illustrates a target and capture device in the form of a flatmesh.

FIG. 7A is a schematic atrial view of a human heart with the atrialtissue removed, taken at the level of the atrioventricular valves,showing in dashed lines two alternative trajectories of the cerclageannuloplasty tensioning element around the mitral valve. Depictedtrajectories include “simple” or “right ventricular reentry” cerclage,or alternatively “right atrial” reentry cerclage. FIG. 7B is a rightventricular perspective view of the heart with portions of the rightatrial and right ventricular free walls broken away to show the cerclagetraversal reentry sites of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C is a left ventricular viewof the heart showing the tilted plane of the coronary sinus cerclageannuloplasty in relation to the plane of the mitral annulus. The drawingschematically illustrates a smaller traditional surgical mitral valveannuloplasty ring over the mitral valve annular plane and the largercoronary artery cerclage in a plane that is tilted to the mitral planeso as to encompass the left ventricular outflow tract. Evident from thisdiagram is the transmission of leaflet-apposing force during applicationof cerclage tension, even when the coronary sinus courses along the leftatrial free wall far from the mitral valve annulus. FIG. 7D furthershows a perspective view of the heart with the cerclage annuloplastytrajectories of FIG. 7B. FIG. 7C in relation to the coronary arteries.

FIGS. 8A-B show the septal reentry sites viewed from the right ventriclein RV cerclage (FIG. 8A) and viewed from the right atrium in RA cerclage(FIG. 8B).

FIGS. 9A-D show an exemplary embodiment of a target and capture devicein the form of a mesh made up of a plurality of moveable sinusoidalelements interconnected with horizontal wires, wherein the mesh is inconnection with a push member for deployment and manipulation.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment wherein a mesh is used in combination with asnare loop.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a mesh target and capture device deployedto conform to the right ventricular geometry.

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of a target and capture device in theform of a vertebrated skeleton catheter comprising interconnected disks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention features methods, devices and apparatus forrepairing a cardiac valve in a patient. In particular, methods, devicesand apparatus are featured for treatment of valvular regurgitation usingcerclage annuloplasty techniques. It is noted that while methods,apparatus and devices are described, in particular, in connection withmitral valve repair, such methods, devices and apparatus can also beused in connection with tricuspid valve repair.

The present methods, apparatus and devices can be used in connectionwith known imaging systems and techniques to image the internal bodilytissues, organs, structures, cavities, and spaces of the subject beingtreated. For example, the systems and methods described herein caninclude transmitter or receiver coils to facilitate active-devicenavigation using an imaging system, such as magnetic-resonance imaging(MRI). This imaging can be conducted along arbitrary or predeterminedplanes using various imaging methods based on X-ray technologies, X-rayfluoroscopy, MRI, electromagnetic-position navigation, co-registrationof X-ray and MRI or of X-ray and CT, video technologies (such asendoscopy, infra-red imaging, saline-flush videoscopy and the like),ultrasound, and other such technologies. In some embodiments, real-timeMRI (rtMRI), intracardiac ultrasound, or electromagnetic guidance isemployed. Thus, as used herein, the term “imaging system” includes anydevice, apparatus, system, or method of imaging the internal regions ofa subject's body.

Methods of the invention generally include introducing a tensioningmaterial around the cardiac valve annulus via a cerclage trajectory withthe assistance of a target and capture device, and placing thetensioning material under tension. A cerclage traversal catheter system,is inserted into the vasculature of a patient and is guided through acerclage trajectory, while the target and capture device is alsointroduced into the vasculature of the patient and positioned within thecerclage trajectory, particularly at a “reentry site” at the end of thedesired cerclage trajectory. Any suitable cerclage trajectory can beused, such as those previously disclosed, for example, in U.S. PublishedPatent Application Nos. 2005/0216039 and 2010/0049314. The cerclagetraversal catheter system can traverse the cerclage trajectory (e.g.under imaging guidance), and further with the assistance of the targetand capture device. In particular, the cerclage traversal cathetersystem, with the assistance of the target and capture device, reentersthe right ventricle or right atrium through the desired reentry sitewhere it is further ensnared or captured by the target and capturedevice. The cerclage traversal catheter system is then retrieved andreplaced with the tensioning material. Any known tensioning materialscan be used such as a suture, particularly a cerclage suture. Tensioncan then be applied to the tensioning material to a desired degree, suchas under imaging guidance, and thereafter fixed using a tension fixationdevice.

In addition to the cerclage traversal catheter system, which isintroduced to apply the circumferential tensioning element, a target andcapture device is further introduced which works together with thecerclage traversal catheter system so as to guide the cerclage traversalcatheter system through the desired trajectory. In particular, thetarget and capture device is positioned in the trajectory at a desiredsite, and the cerclage traversal catheter system must be guided orpassed through the target and capture device so as to precisely followthe trajectory. For example, the target and capture device can beprovided at a particularly difficult point in the trajectory so as tofacilitate proper guidance of the cerclage traversal catheter systemthrough such difficult points. In certain embodiments, the target andcapture device is positioned at a desired “reentry site” of a cerclagetrajectory that includes, for example, the coronary sinus, great cardiacvein, basal septal perforator vein, followed by traversing a segment ofthe interventricular myocardial septum to reenter the right ventricle orright atrium (“reentry site”). In such a trajectory, the reentry sitecan be particularly difficult to traverse and, as such, the target andcapture device provides a target for guiding the cerclage traversalcatheter system through the desired reentry site. In certainembodiments, the target and capture device is configured, arrangedand/or positioned so as to serve as an imaging target for the steerablecerclage traversal catheter system as it passes through a desiredreentry site (e.g. from the coronary venous system through the heart toemerge into the right heart chamber).

In certain embodiments, the target and capture device is configured,arranged and/or positioned so as to displace desired structures so as toprevent entrapment and/or injury to such structures as the cerclagetraversal catheter system traverses the cerclage trajectory or after thecerclage tensioning element is shortened to apply annuloplasty tension.For example, the target and capture device is configured, arrangedand/or positioned so as to displace the right ventricular trabecular andtricuspid subvalvular structures (trabeculae carnae, chordae tendinae,moderator band) away from the right heart cavity against the rightventricular endocardial surface. As such, the cerclage traversalcatheter system can be prevented from entrapping or injuring thesestructures once it is recaptured and replaced with a tensioning elementor related device.

The target and capture device can, further, advantageously be configuredso as to conform to the curvature of the right ventricle by having innerand outer curvature longitudinal elements of different lengths thatimpart curvature. The device, in particular, conform to thethree-dimensional dextro-curve configuration of the anatomic rightventricle by virtue of having shape-memory imparted into them.

The target and capture device can, further, advantageously be configuredso as to as capture and/or ensnare the cerclage traversal cathetersystem as or after the cerclage traversal catheter system passes throughthe desired reentry site. As such, trabecular entrapment can be avoided.The target and capture device, as such, can be provided in anyconfiguration that will provide a target to the cerclage traversalcatheter system as it traverses a cerclage trajectory, and such that thetarget and capture device will capture or ensnare the cerclage traversalcatheter system as/or after the cerclage traversal catheter systempasses through the target. In certain embodiments, the target andcapture device is configured, arranged and/or positioned so as tocapture or ensnare the cerclage traversal catheter system as it entersthe right heart, without capturing or entrapping cardiac structures. Incertain embodiments, the target and capture device is furtherconfigured, arranged and/or positioned so as to retrieve the capturedcerclage traversal catheter system.

The target and capture device can further be configured and arrangedsuch that it provides counter-pressure for the application of traversalforce. In particular, the target and capture device can be configuredand arranged so as to apply pressure to or push against a target areasuch as the myocardium septum. Such application of pressure against themyocardium septum facilitates crossing of the myocardium septum with thecerclage transversal catheter system. For example, the target andcapture device can be provided with sufficient rigidity and in anydesired shape so as to allow for application of pressure at a targetarea.

An embodiment of a target and capture device 200, is shown in FIG. 1.The device 200 generally comprises an elongate body or shaft 202 havinga proximal end (not shown), a distal end 206, and an opening 208 at ornear the distal end 206. As shown, a loop 210 having an opening 208 canbe provided at the distal end 206. A target and capture device 200having an elongate body or shaft 202, a proximal end (not shown), adistal end 206 and a loop 210 is further shown in FIG. 2 positioned at adesired cerclage trajectory target site via a guiding catheter. Inaccordance with this embodiment, the opening 208 provides abullseye-like target and snare mechanism for the cerclage traversalcatheter system. The loop 210 and/or opening 208, for example, is shownas being enlarged and positioned based on the shape and design of thedevice so as to provide a suitable target and snare mechanism. As shownin FIG. 1, a single loop 210 having a single opening 208 is provided atthe distal end 206 of the shaft 202. However, it is noted that aplurality of loops and openings could also be provided. Further, whilethe loop and opening are depicted as generally circular in shape, theloop and/or opening can be provided in any shape as long as it iscapable of providing a target for the cerclage traversal catheter systemas it passes through the cerclage trajectory and provided it is capableof capturing or ensnaring the cerclage traversal catheter system. Forexample, cylindrical rectanguloid, cylindrically-shaped ellipsoid, orflat ellipsoid type configurations can be provided.

The target and capture 200 device can be made of any suitable materialor combination of materials that provide both the strength andflexibility suitable to resist collapse by external forces, such asforces imposed during bending or twisting as the target and capturedevice 200 is introduced to the cerclage trajectory site, and whichallows the target and capture device 200 to be properly positioned andtorqued at the desired cerclage site as described herein. In certainembodiments, the device 200 is made of a metal such as nitinol or steel,or a polymer, or a combination of metal and polymeric materials.Insulation gaps can be provided in the target and capture device toallow an array of electrodes to localize points of contact, multiplexedthrough strands. In certain embodiments, the target and capture device200 is fabricated of a shape memory material wherein the loop 210 has aspecific right-ventricular conforming “remembered” shape, and acollapsed shape for delivery before positioning to the target site andfor withdrawal from the target site. In certain embodiments, at least aportion of the target and capture device, such as the loop 210, isformed of a shape memory material such that the loop has a rememberedshape that conforms to the curvature of the right ventricle. As such,upon deployment of the target and capture device to the cerclage reentrysite in the right ventricle, the loop can take on the remembered shapefor properly positioning.

In certain embodiments, the specific shape of the device iscustom-fabricated for individual patients based on two- andthree-dimensional imaging-based models to determine the dimensions andgeometry of the right ventricle and the cerclage reentry site. Thesemodels may also be used to select an optimal target. These models may bebased upon tomographic, 3-dimensional, or 2-dimensional X-rayfluoroscopy, computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonanceimaging, or electroanatomic positioning-based maps.

In certain embodiments, the target and capture device 200 is providedwith a loop 210 that is adjustable (e.g. in size) such that after thecerclage traversal catheter system has passed therethrough, the loop 210is adjusted so as to capture or ensnare the cerclage traversal cathetersystem therein. In some embodiments, the loop 210 is formed of a shapememory material wherein the loop can alternate between a targetconfiguration, wherein the loop is provided in an open state at thecerclage trajectory target site, and a capture or ensnare configuration,wherein the loop collapses about the cerclage traversal catheter systemso as to capture or ensnare it.

As such, the loop 210 can be formed such that the nominal (i.e.collapsed or ensnaring) diameter is slightly less than the diameter of adistal portion of the cerclage traversal system (e.g. for a 0.014″traversal system, the nominal slot width could be 0.009-0.013″ indiameter). Based on the size of the cerclage traversal catheter systemwhich can of course vary, the proper nominal size of the loop couldlikewise be appropriately selected.

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the target and capturedevice 200 is imageable. Any known imaging systems and techniques toimage medical devices and/or the internal bodily tissues, organs,structures, cavities, and spaces of the subject being treated can beused. In some embodiments, a receiver coil can be incorporated todetermine the position of the target and capture device 200 in relationto local electromagnetic field registered with anatomic images. In someembodiments, at least the portion of the device surrounding the opening208, or at least a portion of the loop 210 is imageable. As such, theopening 208 or loop 210 can be properly positioned at the desired siteof the cerclage trajectory with the assistance of imaging techniques,and the opening 208 or loop 210 can provide an imageable target toand/or through which the cerclage traversal catheter system can beproperly directed. The target and capture device can, in someembodiments, be positioned according to right ventricular anatomy,geometry, and even electrophysiological function using selected imagingguidance (e.g. EP intracardiac electrode elements can be integrated intoshaft 202) Such imaging techniques and materials are well known andcould also suitably be used in connection with the target and capturedevice 200. In certain embodiments, asymmetric radiopacity is providedin different portions of the target and capture device 200 so as to, forexample, indicate anterior and posterior elements in different x-rayprojection angles.

As provided in some embodiments, the target and capture device 200 isfurther configured to conform to the curvature of the right ventricle,which is the “reentry site” in certain desired cerclage trajectories.For example, the target and capture device 200 can comprise a loop 210configured to conform to the unique curvature of the right ventricle. Assuch, the loop 210 can be geometrically shaped to model or conform tothe inflow-septal-infundibular curvature of the right ventricular septumand outflow tract, and designed to assure apposition to the septal walland to allow recapture of the cerclage traversal catheter system as itreenters the heart from the great cardiac vein across theinterventricular septum. The snare loop can be made of nitinol wire orother metal wires with similar features and, using the superleasticityand shape memory properties of the snare loop, it can be shaped toconform the desired right ventricule curvature. In particular, the shapeof the loop can be modeled on the typical septal infundibular rightventricular anatomy, which resembles an ellipsoid that conforms to acylinder that is then twisted. The loop 210, being configured so as toconform to the curvature of the right ventricle, can be torqued to abutthe right ventricular septum in the desired reentry site so as toenhance procedural targeting and cerclage traversal catheter systemretrieval which, further, can reduce the likelihood of trabecularentrapment. A torque-fixation device or mechanism can further beprovided so as to maintain constant apposition of the target and capturedevice 200 with the right ventricle. For example, any single or coaxialcatheter pair can be used to impart torque, and a hemostatic valve orthe like can be used to fix the torque against an introducer sheath. Insome embodiments, the delivery catheter is provided with one or morelumen that can be configured to determine anatomic position relative tothe tricuspid valve and pulmonic valve, e.g. based on phasic bloodpressure signatures of the right atrium, right ventricle and pulmonaryartery.

The target and capture device 200 can be introduced to the site througha suitable delivery catheter, and, in some embodiments, can beintroduced through the same delivery catheter that is used to introducethe cerclage traversal catheter system. In certain embodiments, thetarget and capture device 200 is introduced via a delivery catheter froma cephalad (typically transjugular or from upper extremity veins) orcaudad (typically transfemoral) approach. In an exemplary embodiment,the target and capture device 200 allows for removal from the samesheath as the cerclage traversal catheter system, which further allowsboth free ends of the cerclage traversal catheter system to beexternalized through the same orifice (i.e. the target and capturedevice 200 ensnares and externalizes the cerclage traversal cathetersystem through the same sheath that the cerclage traversal cathetersystem was introduced through). In some embodiments, the deliverycatheter is provided with an outer diameter of 4 Fr to 8 Fr, and isprovided with a lumen having a distal or side-exit opening for targeteddeployment of the target and capture device 200. To provide enhancedpositioning of the target and capture device 200 at the desired cerclagetrajectory site (e.g. reentry site), the delivery catheter can beprovided with a lumen capable of delivering, positioning, torquing, andapposing the target and capture device 200 at the desired site. Incertain embodiments, the target and capture device 200 is provided witha loop 210 that conforms to the dorsomedial “right handed” curvature ofthe right ventricle, and appropriate counterclockwise torque of thetarget and capture device 200 alone or together with the deliverycatheter maintain apposition of the loop 210 with the right ventricularseptum along the expected cerclage reentry site. In some embodiments, anover-the-wire lumen can be provided in the target and capture device 200to position along the right ventricular outflow tract. In certainembodiments, markers can be provided in the target and capture device200 and/or the delivery catheter so as to provide the user with theability to determine the insertion length and/or the rotational positionof the target and capture device 200 relative to the delivery catheter.

Another embodiment of a target and capture device 300, is shown in FIGS.3A-4B. The target and capture device 300 generally comprises a mesh,preferably an expandable and collapsible mesh 302. The mesh 302 isconfigured for deployment at a desired cerclage trajectory site so as toguide and simplify capturing the cerclage traversal catheter system asit traverses the cerclage trajectory.

In some embodiments, the mesh 302 is configured so as to provide atarget for the cerclage traversal catheter system as it reenters theright ventricle or right atrium to ensure that the cerclage traversalcatheter system reenters at the proper cerclage trajectory. In certainembodiments, the target is a center portion 304 of the mesh 302 (forexample, as depicted by the shaded portion of the mesh 302 in FIG. 4A),or any other portion of the mesh in any size or shape. In otherembodiments, the target is an opening 306 in the mesh 302 (for example,as shown in FIG. 4B wherein a centrally located opening is provided asthe target). For example, the mesh 302 can be provided in the form of aplurality criss-crossing wire-like members 304 which form a plurality ofopenings, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-4B. The target, thus, couldbe any of the openings positioned at the desired cerclage target site.The target may also be based upon patient-specific two- andthree-dimensional imaging-based models to determine the dimensions andgeometry of the right ventricle and the cerclage reentry site. Thesemodels may be based upon tomographic, 3-dimensional, or 2-dimensionalX-ray fluoroscopy, computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonanceimaging, or electroanatomic positioning-based maps.

In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the mesh can be imageableso as to facilitate proper positioning of the mesh at the desiredreentry site under imaging techniques, and such that the cerclagetraversal catheter system can be guided into and/or through the targetreentry site via the mesh under imaging techniques. For example, uniqueradiopaque markers can be incorporated to allow targeted positioning ofthe mesh 302 and guidance of the cerclage traversal catheter system inrelation to electrograms or anatomy or the position of the coronarysinus. In some embodiments, a receiver coil can be incorporated todetermine the position of the mesh 302 in relation to localelectromagnetic field registered with anatomic images. In someembodiments, a portion or “cell” of the mesh 302 is provided with animageable target marked thereon which can positioned, under imaging, atthe desired cerclage trajectory location so that the cerclage traversalcatheter system can be guided to the target. In some embodiments, one ormore openings (not shown) in the mesh 302 are imageable and are providedas a target for the cerclage traversal catheter system (e.g. target 304or opening 306) and, as such, can be properly positioned at the desiredcerclage trajectory location so that the cerclage traversal cathetersystem can be guided to the properly positioned opening. In certainembodiments, asymmetric radiopacity is provided in different portions ofthe mesh 300 so as to, for example, indicate anterior and posteriorelements in different x-ray projection angles. Any known imagingtechniques could suitably be used.

In certain embodiments, the mesh 302 is configured so as to be capableof capturing and/or ensnaring the cerclage traversal catheter systemduring a cerclage procedure. In certain embodiments, an expandable orcollapsible mesh 302 is configured such that, when expanded or deployed(for example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-4B), the mesh 302 can be positionedat the desired cerclage trajectory target site, and such that when orafter the cerclage traversal catheter system contacts the mesh, the meshis collapsed 302 about the cerclage traversal catheter system therebycapturing and/or ensnaring it.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the mesh 302 is formed of twoor more wire elements that separate when deployed and adjoin whenretracted, such that the cerclage traversal catheter system becomessnared or captured in the adjoined wire elements. In certainembodiments, the expandable and collapsible mesh 302 is provided withopenings in the mesh 302, and the mesh 302 is configured such that whenthe mesh 302 is collapsed, the cerclage traversal catheter systembecomes captured or ensnared within a target opening.

In yet further embodiments, the mesh 302 is configured so as to conformto the desired cerclage target site. For example, the mesh can be shapedto appose the right ventricle and right ventricular outflow tract fromeither a transjugular or transfemoral approach. In an exemplaryembodiment, the mesh 302 is provided in a collapsed state (for example,as shown in FIG. 5A) that facilitates insertion and delivery through asuitable delivery catheter, and the mesh 302 is further provided with anexpanded state (for example, as shown in FIG. 5B) that conforms to thecurvature of the right ventricle.

In certain embodiments the mesh 302 is disposed at a reentry site in theright ventricle and is configured so as to exert pressure againsttrabecular-papillary elements of the tricuspid. In particular, the mesh302 can be configured to apply pressure so as to displace the valvarchordae and the true and false trabecular muscles temporarily againstthe endocardial border of the right ventricle during right ventricularreentry of a cerclage traversal catheter system crossing theinterventricular septum between the coronary venous system and the rightventricular cavity.

The mesh 302 can apply this pressure by virtue of cerclage traversalcatheter system. By abutting the right ventricular reentry site of thecerclage traversal catheter system, the reentering cerclage traversalcatheter system is forced to cross the mesh, and trabecular entrapmentcan beneficially be avoided. In particular, during septal-perforator toright-ventricular myocardial traversal, the mesh 302 can be positionedso as to appose the mural tricuspid subvalvular apparatus to the septalmyocardial wall which, thereby, forces the reentering cerclage traversalcatheter system to cross only the nearest orthogonal trabecular “window”as it passes from the ventricular septum to the right ventricularcavity. Further, the mesh 302 is designed and disposed so as to allowensnarement of the reentering cerclage traversal catheter system. As aresult, trabecular entrapment is avoided.

In some embodiments, the expanded mesh 302 forms a basket-like U-shape(e.g. see FIGS. 3A-B that conforms with the geometry of the rightventricular inflow and outflow tract along the interventricular septum.In yet other embodiments, a flat mesh design (e.g. see FIG. 6) can beprovided so as to conform with the septum along the right ventricularinflow and outflow and can utilize torque (e.g. counterclockwise fromthe neck) to appose against the septum. In certain embodiments, the mesh302 in its collapsed form is introduced to the cerclage reentry citefrom a cephalad (typically transjugular or transaxillary) or caudad(typically transfemoral) approach. The collapsed mesh 302 can, further,be removed from the same delivery catheter as the cerclage traversalcatheter system such that both free ends of the cerclage traversalcatheter system can be externalized through the same sheath (i.e. thetarget and capture device in the form of a mesh 300 ensnares andexternalizes the cerclage traversal catheter system through the samesheath that the cerclage traversal catheter system was introducedthrough). In any of these embodiments, the mesh 300 can be fabricated ofa shape memory material so that the mesh 300 can alternate between acollapsed shape and an expended shape. In some embodiments, the expandedshape is a shape that conforms to the target cerclage location, such asthe reentry site. In other embodiments, the expanded shape provides themesh in a form suitable for providing a target for the cerclagetraversal catheter system, while the collapsed shape provides the meshin a form suitable to capture or ensnare the cerclage traversal cathetersystem and for removal of the mesh.

Proper positioning of the target and capture device can generally befacilitated based on the device's unique shape conformance to the innerand septal curvature of the right ventricle, based on imaging guidance,and/or based on local intracardiac electrogram signal and timing such asthe atria, atrioventricular node, Bundle of His, bundle branches, andright ventricular depolarization. In some embodiments, the catheter usedto deliver the mesh target and capture device 302 is provided with oneor more lumen that can be configured to determine anatomic positionrelative to the tricuspid valve and pulmonic valve, e.g. based on phasicblood pressure signatures of the right atrium, right ventricle andpulmonary artery. Further, angiographic lumen can be provided so as toallow angiography to conform the position of the mesh against the rightventricle. Still further, one or more unipolar or bipolar electrodes canbe provided to acquire intracardiac electrograms so as to aid inpositioning (e.g. by determining the position of the delivery catheterand/or the mesh 302 in relation to continuous myocardial depolarizationand repolarization patterns, including HIS electrograms, near- andfar-field atrial and ventricular electrograms). Still further, one ormore electrodes can be provided to contact intracardiac electrograms todetect contact of the delivery catheter and/or mesh 302 with cardiacstructures such as the moderator band and ventricular septum. In furtherembodiments, a catheter or wire can further be used with the deliverycatheter and/or mesh 302 to engage the coronary sinus and properly setout the cerclage trajectory.

In some embodiments, the mesh 302 is connected to a delivery mechanism,such as a shaft/push member or the like, for deployment and retrievalfrom the target cerclage site. For example, as shown generally in FIG.9, the mesh 302 can be deployed through a delivery sheath 410 via a pushmember 412 to the desired site. As shown in FIG. 9A, the mesh 302 is inconnection with a push member 412 which is used to deploy the mesh 302from the delivery sheath 410 into the right ventricle. In certainembodiments, the mesh 302 expands as described herein to apply pressureagainst the target site.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example as shown in FIGS. 9A-D, the mesh302 is deployed through a delivery sheath 410 via a push member 412 tothe desired site where it fills the right ventricular space to displacetrabecular structures and avoid their entrapment after recovery of thecerclage traversal catheter system. In certain embodiments, the mesh iscomposed of a preshaped memory-metal frame that expands to the desiredshape on deployment. As shown in FIGS. 9A-D, the mesh 302 can be in theform of a plurality of sinusoidal structural components or rings 414interconnected with wires 416 or the like extending along the length ofthe mesh 302 so as to form openings 418 in the mesh 302. The sinusoidalor ring components 414 can move freely over the wires 416 (as depictedby the arrows in FIG. 9C) and can further be connected to each otherwith wires 422, which are preferably expandable and collapsible (e.g. asdepicted in the Figures, the wires 422 are provided in one embodimentwith an accordion-like or similar shape). Movement of the sinusoidalrings 414 can be controlled by push member 412. As such, the mesh 302could be used as follows: first the whole mesh structure 302 is deployedin the right ventricle; the cerclage traversal catheter system is thenused to reenter the right ventricle at the targeted location; next thesinusoidal rings 414 are pushed toward the distal end while retainingthe cerclage traversal catheter system tip 425 inside the deployed meshstructure 302; the sinusoidal ring 414 positions are then locked inplace while the mesh 302 is pulled inside the delivery sheath 412 viathe push member 412 to capture and retrieve and externalize the ensnaredcerclage traversal catheter system 420.

Another embodiment of a target and capture device in the form of a“mesh” is shown in FIG. 12. In particular, the mesh is in the form of avertebrated skeleton catheter 500 generally comprising a plurality ofvertebral elements, such as hollow centered disc-like elements 502,interconnected through a plurality of wires 504 or the like fortensioning of the elements 502. It is noted that while a disc-like shapeis depicted, any other geometry could likewise be adapted. Openings(which can be configured and used similarly to the openings in theabove-described mesh configurations) are formed between the elements 502and wires 504. Tension can be independently provided to individual wires504 so as to adjust the shape of the vertebrated skeleton catheter 500by, for example, adjusting the distance between adjacent disks 502and/or angling the disks 502 with respect to each other such that thevertebrated skeleton catheter 500 assumes the specified right-handedcurve of a target right ventricle inflow-to-outflow tract. As such, thevertebrated skeleton catheter 500 can beneficially apply pressure at thesite and displace anatomical structures as desired and described herein.The vertebrated skeleton catheter 500 can further be configured andarranged so as to capture, ensnare and/or externalize the cerclagetraversal catheter system between adjacent disks 502 and/or wires.

In yet another embodiment, a “mesh” target and capture device is in theform of an expanding slotted tube, which can, for example, be in thegeneral form of a tube having cuts or slots along at least a portion ofits length. The expanding slotted tube can be suspended or supported onproximal and distal ends, such that when the proximal and distal endsare drawn toward each other (for example, by a deployment catheter), theexpanding slotted tube assumes the right-handed shape of the rightventricle inflow-to-outflow tract geometry. The expanding slotted tubecan be fabricated of any of the materials described herein in connectionwith the target and capture device, and in some embodiments is formed ofa shape-memory material. In some embodiments, the expanding slotted tubeis fabricated of Flexinol such that current can be applied or notapplied so as to alternate between desired configurations. As such, theexpanding slotted tube can beneficially apply pressure at the deployedsite and can further displace anatomical structures as desired. Thecells (i.e. openings) of the slotted metal tube can further beconfigured and positioned so as to capture and entrap the cerclagetraversal catheter system for retrieval and externalization. Inparticular, when the expanding slotted tube is compressed, with theopenings pressed together or tightened, the openings grip and entrap thecerclage traversal system.

In any of these mesh configurations, the openings in the mesh can have anominal (compressed or entrapping) diameter slightly less than thediameter of a distal portion of the cerclage traversal system (e.g. fora 0.014″ traversal system, the nominal slot width could be 0.009-0.013″in diameter). Based on the size of the cerclage traversal cathetersystem which can of course vary, the proper nominal size of the openingscould likewise be appropriately selected.

As described above, in some embodiments a target and capture device inthe form of a loop 202, mesh 310, vertebrated skeleton catheter 500 orslotted-metal tube can be used alone to provide all or any combinationof one or more of the following features as further described herein:provide a target for the cerclage traversal catheter system at a desiredreentry site, apply pressure at a target site, capture the cerclagetraversal catheter system, ensnare the cerclage traversal cathetersystem, and externalize the cerclage traversal catheter system.

In some embodiments, two or more devices, such as one or more loopdevices 210, one or more mesh 302, one or more vertebrated skeletoncatheters 500, and/or one or more slotted-metal tubes can be used incombination to provide the all or any combination of the above-describedfeatures. For example, a mesh 302 can be used together with a capture orsnare device, such as the loop 210, as described herein. As such, themesh 302, which serves as a displacement device, can be deployed andpositioned at the target site so as to apply pressure and displacetrabecular structures to avoid trabecular entrapment, for example asdepicted in FIG. 11. A separate capture or snare device, for example, apre-shaped snare or loop 210 is deployed and positioned at the targetreentry site so as to provide the cerclage traversal catheter systemwith a target site through which it is to pass, and so as to capture thecerclage traversal catheter system. A pre-shaped snare can bebeneficially provided and configured so as to assure that when thecerclage traversal catheter system reenters the right ventricle it isforced to remain inside the snare loop. The shape of the loop ispreferably modeled on the typical septal infundibular right ventricularanatomy, which resembles an ellipsoid that conforms to a cylinder thatis then twisted. In certain embodiments, a pre-shaped snare recoverydevice is further provided and is advanced over the pre-shaped snaredevice to reduce the diameter of the snare loop and capture the cerclagetraversal catheter system, preferably while not changing the orientationof the snare loop.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a dual device system in use. As shown, atleast three coaxial catheters 410, 411, 413 are positioned in the rightventricle from the inflow to outflow tract. The outer catheter 410delivers the deployable mesh 320, which is deployed to conform to theright ventricular geometry (e.g. as depicted in more detail in FIG. 11),which displaces trabeculations to avoid inadvertent trabecularentrapment of the reentering cerclage traversal system, and which canalso allow for ensnaring and retrieval of the reentering cerclagetraversal system. A central coaxial catheter 413 can form the pushmechanism which deploys the mesh 302 and which can be used to modify theshape of the mesh 302 (e.g. by moving sinusoidal elements 414 asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 9A-D), and which can further be usedto position a snare/loop 202 at the target reentry site to capture thereentering cerclage traversal system.

An exemplary method, which uses the devices and apparatus describedherein, is described below. In particular, the methods describes apercutaneous-transmyocardial-cerclage annuloplasty using tension suturesand a target and capture device. This embodiment is directed at (but notlimited to) treating Carpentier-Type-I mitral-valve regurgitation, inwhich valvular regurgitation is related to annular dilation associatedwith underlying cardiomyopathy. In the Carpentier-Type-I condition,valve-leaflet mobility and alignment are normal, but the leaflets do notsufficiently appose one another to prevent regurgitation of blood intothe left atrium. This lack of valvular apposition can result from avariety of diseases or physiological defects, such as myocardial-annulardilation following a myocardial infarction or non-ischemiccardiomyopathy. While this description relates to the mitral valve, thisprocedure can be readily adapted to other cardiac valves, such as thetricuspid valve, or other similar tissues and structures of a subject'sbody.

Briefly, a guiding catheter (GC) is inserted percutaneously into thevasculature of a subject, such as into the femoral vein, and guidedthrough the vasculature into the heart. Access to the mitral valve canbe accomplished in a variety of ways. Additionally, a non-percutaneousapproach can be employed, if necessary or desired. Once the distal endof the GC is in place, the cerclage traversal catheter system isintroduced into the lumen of the GC and traversed through the GC. Atarget and capture device in the form of a loop/snare or any of the meshconfigurations, e.g. 200/300/500, is further introduced into thevasculature of a patient via a delivery catheter that can be a separatedelivery catheter or can be the same GC used to introduce the cerclagetraversal catheter system. The target and capture device 200/300/500 isthen positioned at a desired target site in the cerclage trajectory,such as a “reentry site” as described herein (e.g. see FIGS. 2 and3A-B).

According to one exemplary embodiment, the distal end of the cerclagetraversal catheter system is advanced and directed under imagingguidance around the circumference of the cardiac valve. One exemplarycircumferential trajectory of the cerclage traversal catheter system isaround the mitral-valve annulus from the coronary sinus ostium to theorigin of the great cardiac vein, and thereafter through non-anatomicspaces (including but not limited to, the mitral annulus, left atrialcavity, right atrial cavity, interatrial septum, and transverse fossa)to return to the coronary sinus ostium. In such an embodiment, thetarget and capture device 200/300/500 could be positioned so as to guidethe cerclage traversal catheter system, e.g. under imaging guidance, asit returns to the coronary sinus ostium.

Two examples of trajectories are shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The firsttrajectory (labeled a “simple” or “RV” trajectory) is one in which thecerclage traversal catheter system enters the right atrium through thesuperior vena cava and is then introduced through the coronary ostiuminto the coronary sinus. The cerclage traversal catheter system isadvanced through the great cardiac vein into a basal blood vessel, suchas a basal septal perforator vein. The cerclage traversal cathetersystem then exits the septal perforator vein through myocardialinterstitium into the right ventricle, re-entering the right atriumalong the septal tricuspid valve commisure (at the intersection of theanterior cusp and the septal cusp). The target and capture device200/300/500 is suitably positioned at this reentry site and ispositioned so as to conform to the reentry site. Suitablecounterclockwise torque of the target and capture device 200/300/500alone or together with the delivery catheter can be applied to maintainapposition of the target and capture device 200/300/500 at the reentrysite. The cerclage traversal catheter system is then guided through thereentry site via the target and capture device 200/300/500 which,further, captures or ensnares the cerclage traversal catheter system asit reenters. The cerclage traversal catheter system is then replacedwith a tensioning element, such as a tensioning suture. The replacementcan occur, for example, by attaching the tensioning material to thecerclage traversal catheter system and advancing the tensioning materialalong the path of the cerclage traversal catheter system as the cerclagetraversal catheter system is withdrawn. In an alternative approach,coronary veins are entered in the opposite direction from the rightatrium or right ventricle under imaging guidance into a branch of thecoronary sinus.

An alternative or “complex” right atrial cerclage trajectory shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B extends further posterior through the basal septalmyocardium into the right atrium near the coronary sinus. The wiretraverses deep tissue of the septum moving in a posterior direction andexits above the opening of the coronary sinus. The target and capturedevice 200/300/500 would also be suitably positioned at this reentrysite and is positioned so as to conform to the reentry site. Suitablecounterclockwise torque of the target and capture device 200/300/500alone or together with the delivery catheter can be applied to maintainapposition of the target and capture device 200/300/500 at the reentrysite. The cerclage traversal catheter system is then guided through thereentry site via the target and capture device 200/300/500 which,further, captures or ensnares the cerclage traversal catheter system asit reenters.

In yet further embodiments, a permanent magnet or electromagnet isincorporated on the target and capture device 200/300/500 so as to applya local docking force to aid in capture of a magnetic cerclage traversalcatheter system.

The plane of the resulting cerclage annuloplasty is shown in FIGS.7C-7D. This plane of cerclage is shown to be related to and in the planeof the coronary sinus 60 such that annuloplasty remains uniquelyfeasible even if the coronary sinus is remote from the mitral valveannuloplasty. As the figures indicate, the plane of cerclage 60 enhancesmitral valve coaptation, even when the coronary sinus is geometricallyremote from the mitral valve annulus, because it is “tilted” toward theleft ventricular outflow tract. The illustrated angle a between thecerclage plane 60 and the plane of the mitral valve annulus 62 istherefore advantageous. Moreover, the illustrated trajectories of thecerclage annuloplasty induces reciprocal mitral valve coaptation andleft ventricular outflow tract relaxation during ventricular systole.

Tension is applied via the annuloplasty cerclage through, for example,tensioning material such as suture material exchanged for the cerclagetraversal catheter system. Tension can be applied through both ends ofthe suture as they are externalized at the point of vascular access.Tension is applied under imaging guidance until the desired degree ofmitral annular circumferential reduction is accomplished, or until themitral valve regurgitation is reduced, or until other deleteriousendpoints are achieved such as mitral valve inflow obstruction. Tensionis secured, such as by using a knot or using a tension fixation deviceapplied to both ends of the suture at the right atrium or rightventricle where the two cerclage trajectories cross, or at the point ofvascular access, or in between the two. Tension is delivered bycounterpressure against the fixation device, for example, appliedthrough a delivery catheter. Before fixation, tension can be released orreduced, for example, to reposition the protection device or to achievea lower degree of mitral annular circumferential reduction.

As tension is applied, valvular regurgitation is assessed repeatedly andnon-invasively by an appropriate imaging technique. Such imagingtechniques include X-ray angiography, MRI, external or intracavitary orintravascular ultrasound, X-ray computed tomography, pressuretransducers in an affected chamber such as the left atrium or thepulmonary vein or the pulmonary artery, or a “fusion” or combination ofany of the above. After the valvular regurgitation has been reduced (oreven eliminated) and a desired tension is achieved, the tension isfixed. If the resulting circumferential suture is secured to form aclosed loop, the suture essentially becomes a cerclage suture. Tensionin the suture can also be released (for example, using another secondarycatheter, such as a catheter with a suture-release blade) in order toreadjust or remove the tension suture.

Having illustrated and described the principles of the invention byseveral embodiments, it should be apparent that those embodiments can bemodified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principlesof the invention. Thus, the invention includes all such embodiments andvariations thereof, and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A target and capture device for transcathetercerclage annuloplasty comprising: an expandable and collapsible meshcomprising a plurality of criss-crossing wire-like members that movefreely relative to each other and formed of a shaped memory material,the expandable and collapsible mesh configured so as to conform to thecurvature of the right ventricle and form a U-shape or J-shape thatconforms to the right ventricular outflow tract and/or infundibulum whenin its expanded state and configured so as to be insertable through acatheter in a patient's vasculature when collapsed; and the expandableand collapsible mesh having an imageable target therein.
 2. The targetand capture device of claim 1 wherein the mesh is configured so as todisplace the valvar chordae and the true and false trabecular musclesagainst the endocardial border of the right ventricular septum.
 3. Thetarget and capture device of claim 1 wherein the mesh is configured toapply pressure on expansion, thereby displacing the valvar chordae andthe true and false trabecular muscles toward the endocardial surface. 4.The target and capture device of claim 1 further comprising a pushmember positioned to expand and collapse the mesh upon inflation anddeflation.
 5. The target and capture device of claim 1 wherein the meshcomprises a plurality of ring-like wire-like members interwovern alongthe length of a plurality of horizontal wire-like members.
 6. The targetand capture device of claim 5 wherein the ring-like elements aremoveable along the wires so as to independently vary the size ofopenings in the mesh.
 7. The target and capture device of claim 5,wherein the plurality of ring-like wire-like members include ring thatthe plurality of horizontal wire-like members pass through.
 8. Thetarget and capture device of claim 1 further comprising a unipolar orbipolar electrode set for determining the position of the target andcapture device in relation to functional electrophsiological fiducialmarkers.
 9. The target and capture device of claim 8, wherein theunipolar or bipolar electrode set performs a His electrocardiogram. 10.The target and capture device of claim 1, wherein the expandable andcollapsible mesh is further configured to capture and/or ensnare acatheter inserted therethrough.
 11. The target and capture device ofclaim 10, wherein the catheter is a cerclage traversal catheter system.12. The target and capture device of claim 1, wherein the criss-crossingwire-like members are interwoven.
 13. A target and capture device fortranscatheter cerclage annuloplasty comprising: an expandable andcollapsible mesh comprising a plurality of criss-crossing wire-likemembers that move freely relative to each other and formed of a shapedmemory material, the expandable and collapsible mesh configured so as toform a U-shape or a J-shape when in its expanded state and configured soas to be insertable through a catheter in a patient's vasculature whencollapsed; and the expandable and collapsible mesh having an imageabletarget therein.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the expandable andcollapsible mesh forms a basket-like U-shape when in its expanded state.15. The device of claim 13, wherein the expandable and collapsible meshconfirms with the geometry of the right ventricular inflow and theoutflow tract along the interventricular septum when in its expandedstate.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein the expandable andcollapsible mesh conforms to the right ventricular outflow tract and/orinfundibulum when in its expanded state.